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Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets Prediction and Odds (Toronto in Danger of Losing Three in a Row)

By Matt De Saro

The Columbus Blue Jackets are value dogs tonight at home against a struggling Maple Leaf's team.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are value dogs tonight at home against a struggling Maple Leaf's team. / Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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Full disclosure, I sucked yesterday in picking NHL games. Got put into the boards a few times and walked away with an 0-4 record on the day. Gonna put that disaster behind me and move on with a fresh perspective and a fresh day. 

First, on the docket is the Toronto Maple Leafs on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nationwide Arena.

The Maple Leafs were probably the biggest disappointment for me yesterday when they got beat up by the dreadful Montreal Canadiens 5-2. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are coming off two straight wins over the Sabers and Blackhawks.

The wins leave Columbus with a 25-23-1 overall record and No. five ranking in the Metropolitan Division. This marks the second meeting between these two teams with Columbus dropping their last game 5-5 on Dec. 7. Can they rebound tonight and beat a Maple Leafs team coming off an embarrassing loss? Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Maple Leafs -1.5 (+100)
  • Blue Jackets +1.5 (-120)

Moneyline:

  • Maple Leafs -250
  • Blue Jackets +210

Total: 6.5 (Over -130/Under +110)

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets Prediction and Pick

The Maple Leafs had a softball to hit last night against Montreal but whiffed big time and lost their second game in a row.

While they did end the game on a high note and dominated the final period, it wasn’t nearly enough to erase the awful game they played in the first two periods. This appears to be the Maple Leafs on the precipice of another rough patch after suffering through a few already this season.

Their issues are primarily on defense and the Blue Jackets are not the team you want to face off against when your defense is struggling. Columbus is also a very strong team on their home ice at 13-10-1. The Blue Jackets are also entering this game well-rested while their opponents are on a back-to-back.

The value here is on the Blue Jackets at home and I’m going to ride tonight in the hopes of getting back on track in the NHL. 

Pick: Blue Jackets +210 to Win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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